OK, first proper update in a while! Finally getting back in to this now
I have all the controls now ready for edge-lighting, but the pac-pro needed mauling so that the LEDs can reach the plexi...
Then some high strength PVA to lock the plexi in place. The metal mounting plate will go over this leaving a nice edge-lit RGB ring in the middle...
Next up, (skip forward 13 months!) I decided to spray paint the backs of the panels white because, well, I want it looking nice
Masking taped over the control holes on the front and then sprayed a few thin coats of white gloss Rustoleum Universal All Surface Paint. Backs look great now for wiring
Time to finish prepping the panels for the artwork. I needed to get them filled and sanded so that there are no ridges around the control mounting plates (and plexi inserts) and the panel. I used some Isopon P38 for this. Seems to have worked great, now the panels are dead flat with no ridges
You can see that I masking taped the visible edge-lit plexi parts in the middle of the joysticks and spinners.
The panel artwork overlays from gameongrafix arrived some time ago and look awesome...
It's hard to portray in a photo just how nice this looks and feels...
Next to do: -
I need to make sure no LED light can get through the panels/plexi inserts as it will show through the artwork. For this reason, and also to give a good surface for applying the adhesive-backed artwork, I'm going to spraypaint the panels black. A few coats of Rustoleum I'm hoping will stop any light getting through.
Also, wrapping the artwork around the top/bottom edges of the panels is a no-go without some contact adhesive. I've tried this out with a spare panel and some spare cut-offs that Scott from gameongrafix was nice enough to include with my order for free, and it works great.
Once I have the panels painted black, the artwork will be applied (scary!) and then it's time for wiring.
I'll post the plan for wiring soon.